Rising Stars: Meet Stefani Timmermeyer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefani Timmermeyer.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi! I’m thrilled to be here talking with you! I’m Stefani Timmermeyer, co-owner of Coloroom Aveda Salon. I’m a mom of three boys ages 6 and under, which is a wild ride all on its own! My husband’s name is Matt and he’s my favorite person in the world.

My co-owner, Brittanie, and I opened our first salon in December 2021. Then, 11 months later, we had an unexpected opportunity to open a second location, and we went for it! While the challenges of opening and operating a business are enormous and sometimes make us want to give up on our dreams, the hardships turn out to be the catalysts that catapult us to pursue things that lead to deeper fulfillment.

Through it all, a couple of anchors have kept me steady – my Callings and my People.

My Callings. Entrepreneurship, in some sort of unexplainable way, has always been a part of who I am. I believe my callings, things I’ve been created by God to do, can be fulfilled in any vocation, anywhere I choose to build my life. I’m called to be a pioneer and an encouraging leader.

When life says, “You can’t do that, people don’t do that!” The pioneer in me says, “It makes me come alive to pave the way for others.” When life says, “It’s too much stress and responsibility to manage people!” The encouraging leader inside reminds me, “My greatest joy is to empower others and guide them in building the life they want.” My Callings drive me to press on when business ownership is challenging.

My People. Sir Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” I have some incredible “giants” in my life. My mom, dad, and stepmom, who are all entrepreneurs themselves, have been empowering me to follow my callings my entire life.

I am so grateful for all the people I’ve had the opportunity to work for up until now. Each and every boss I’ve had has developed and shaped me into who I am today.

And of course, my best friends; our standing monthly dates play an essential role in keeping my sanity. My People renew me and keep me grounded.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think any business owner would tell you it’s certainly not easy to start a business! As we started Coloroom, both personal and professional challenges collided in my world.

On a personal level, shortly after I started taking steps to open a salon, I was surprised to learn I was pregnant! Later that year, just 10 days after my third son was born, my 4-year-old was hospitalized with a life-altering diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. The very next week, Brittanie and I signed the lease on our first salon! On top of all that, soon after, I had emergency surgery. In the midst of these personal changes, Brittanie and I were learning how to be bosses and business partners, while continuing to provide for our families by working behind-the-chair.

On the professional side, there have been challenges too. One main event that set me on a path to starting my own business was when I had the heartbreaking experience of realizing a career advancement I’d been working toward was not going to happen.

But now I can see it was truly meant to be, it was the catalyst that led me to reach out to Brittanie to become business partners! From the moment I met her, we had this connection when it came to the business of hairstyling. Brittanie and I are deeply committed to working hard to stay in sync as business partners, and truly, we each shine our brightest when we are working together. Our partnership is my lifeline when I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing or which way to go next.

We’ve faced challenges together too, like learning to do accounting, figuring out who to hire and who to let go, and constantly coping with overwhelm as we strive for work-life balance. Like so many others, we’re working hard to adapt our business in the wake of the pandemic, while doing our best to run our business with cultural humility.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I truly believe Coloroom is a very special place. We want both our clients and our staff to feel welcome here, just as they are. And as they come and go, to grow to be the best expression of themselves. Our culture revolves around radiating positivity, teamwork, respect, and creativity.

Our salon specializes in hair care and dimensional color, and our methods are integrated with the AVEDA lifestyle. We’re known for our luxury scalp massages and for being great listeners. We have two locations, in Loveland and Fort Collins, Colorado.

As for our management team, we’re a group of strong, kind women who are passionate about letting each other soar in our individual strengths. Collaboration is the key to our culture.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Lightheartedness is not something that comes naturally to me. I can tend to be overly serious and forget to laugh about things. Matt helps me remember!

Happiness comes when I choose to be present at the moment. Happiness is found in looking past the mess in front of me to see the grand adventure that’s unfolding on the horizon. It happens when I pay attention and truly see the person in front of me. It’s looking for eagles with my kids as we drive to school. I like to make big celebrations about seemingly insignificant achievements, like making special lunches for everyone on Fridays, just to celebrate we survived the week.

I am definitely a believer that happiness is how you choose to go through life, not a state you arrive at.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.coloroomhair.com/
• Instagram: @stef.does.aveda and IG: @coloroom.hair